Family thrilled at Ali Mau proposal

Alison Mau has announced her engagement to Karleen Edmonds. Photo / Supplied

Television personality Alison Mau is engaged to marry dance instructor girlfriend Karleen Edmonds, whose family is said to be thrilled about the news.

Mau this week revealed that she proposed to her partner - who she has been seeing for the past two years - just over a week ago.

Ms Edmonds is the director of top Auckland dance school Broken Beat Dance Syllabus, based in Meadowbank, Auckland.

In a statement released this week, the couple said: "We're excited to be taking this next step in our lives together and want to thank all our family and friends for their unanimously positive reaction to our plans."

At Ms Edmonds' home in St Heliers yesterday, her father - who did not wish to be named - said the family was very happy about the news.

He said he liked Mau "very much" and acknowledged that the family had known about his daughter's sexuality for many years and had no problems with it.

"We're all very close. I can't say any more because that's their thing.

But my daughter owns one of the best dance schools in Auckland, as well. That's all I can give you then, love."

Mau split with husband One News anchor Simon Dallow in 2009. The couple have two children.

It is understood that as well as her proposal to Ms Edmonds a week ago, Mau also finalised her divorce to Dallow about the same time.

In 2010, Mau publicly revealed her bisexuality at the Queen of the Whole Universe beauty pageant show, in Auckland.

She introduced Ms Edmonds to the crowd and said she was "proud to be standing amongst the [gay] community".

The move came after weeks of speculation about her sexuality was played out in the media.

Director of the pageant and friend of Mau's, Jonathan Smith, yesterday said he was thrilled to hear the news of the couple's engagement.

"I'm absolutely delighted they've got engaged and wish them all the best. I've known Ali for some years ... she chose to declare that she was a lesbian at our show - on stage.

"I encouraged her to do that in a safe environment and the show was definitely [that]. Karleen accompanied her on the night and that was lovely."

Mr Smith said he did not know a lot about Ms Edmonds but had met her on several occasions and said they looked good together.

"They're bloody hot - and that's coming from a gay man."

Mau, who has been involved in previous pageants over the years, has been asked to be the head judge in this year's event, to be held in July.